PERTEMPURAN SURABAYA 45 | SIAPA YANG MENANG?

Summary

On October 25, 1945, British Indian troops from AFNEI, led by General AWS Mallaby, arrived in Surabaya to disarm the Japanese and free Dutch prisoners. However, local fighters resisted surrendering their weapons, leading to a three-day conflict. A ceasefire was negotiated, but tensions escalated after General Mallaby was killed during a confrontation. This event ignited the Battle of Surabaya on November 10, 1945, where Indonesian forces, fueled by nationalist fervor and religious calls to defend their homeland, fiercely resisted British forces in a brutal battle that marked a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ The British Indian forces, led by General AWS Mallaby, landed in Surabaya on October 25, 1945, to disarm the Japanese and free Dutch civilian prisoners.
• 🚫 Indonesian fighters refused to surrender their captured weapons, which led to conflict and a three-day battle.
• 🔫 On October 30, 1945, a peace negotiation was held between the British and Indonesian forces, but it ended in violence, resulting in the death of General Mallaby.
• 💣 Mallaby's death further escalated the fighting, with clashes continuing into the night and increasing tensions in Surabaya.
• 🗓️ The death of Mallaby is seen by many historians as one of the key triggers for the Battle of November 10, 1945.
• 🚩 Indonesia had declared independence on August 17, 1945, leading to heightened patriotic sentiment, especially in Surabaya.
• 🏳️ After hearing of the Dutch re-raising their flag at the Yamato Hotel, Indonesian youth in Surabaya tore down the Dutch flag and replaced it with the Indonesian flag.
• 🛡️ The Indonesian forces, including youth groups and religious factions, armed themselves by capturing weapons from the Japanese and internment camps in Surabaya.
• 📜 On October 22, 1945, KH Hasyim Asy'ari issued the 'Jihad Resolution,' urging Muslims to fight to defend Indonesia against foreign invaders.
• 💥 Despite ceasefire agreements, both sides continued fighting, and by November 10, 1945, the British launched a full-scale attack on Surabaya, leading to intense urban warfare and large-scale destruction.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the British Indian troops landing in Surabaya on October 25, 1945?

The British Indian troops, part of the AFNEI forces led by General AWS Mallaby, landed in Surabaya to liberate Dutch civilian internees and disarm the Japanese forces after World War II.

Why did the British troops face resistance from Indonesian fighters in Surabaya?

The Indonesian fighters resisted the British troops because they refused to surrender their captured weapons, which they saw as crucial to defending their newly declared independence.

What was the significance of the incident involving the Dutch flag at the Yamato Hotel?

The incident symbolized Indonesian resistance against Dutch attempts to reclaim Indonesia. Indonesian youth tore the blue strip off the Dutch flag, leaving it as a red and white Indonesian flag, representing the struggle for sovereignty.

What role did the AFNEI forces, under Lieutenant General Sir Philip Christison, have when they arrived in Jakarta on September 29, 1945?

Their mission was to evacuate and disarm the Japanese, liberate civilian internees, and maintain the status quo in Indonesia until it could be transferred to the NICA, or Dutch authority.

What was the 'Civil Affair Agreement' and how did it impact Indonesia?

The Civil Affair Agreement was an arrangement for Indonesia's return to Dutch control by Allied forces. This heightened tensions as Indonesians feared it would lead to recolonization by the Dutch.

How did the Indonesian fighters in Surabaya acquire their weapons?

The Indonesian fighters, including former PETA soldiers and members of the Hizbullah, seized weapons from Japanese arsenals across Surabaya in early October 1945, arming themselves with various military equipment.

What was the 'Resolution of Jihad' issued by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and what was its impact?

The Resolution of Jihad, issued by KH Hasyim Asy'ari, declared that fighting to defend Indonesia was a religious duty. This motivated many Indonesians, especially from Islamic communities, to join the struggle against the British and Dutch forces.

What led to the death of General AWS Mallaby on October 30, 1945?

General Mallaby was killed during a chaotic confrontation outside the Internatio building in Surabaya. After a tense standoff, he was shot by an Indonesian fighter, which intensified the conflict.

Why did the British issue an ultimatum to Indonesia on November 9, 1945?

The British issued an ultimatum demanding Indonesian forces surrender, threatening severe retaliation. This ultimatum followed Mallaby's death and escalating tensions as the British sought to reassert control over Surabaya.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Surabaya on November 10, 1945?

The Battle of Surabaya resulted in heavy losses for the Indonesians, with thousands killed or wounded, but it also became a symbol of Indonesian resistance. The fierce defense against British forces is commemorated as a heroic moment in Indonesia's fight for independence.